Zambia Independent Tabloid

  The Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has announced that it will only commence maize purchases once the grain’s moisture content falls to the required threshold of 12.5 percent or below. FRA Board Chairperson Suresh Desai said the agency is closely monitoring maize moisture levels across the country, noting that much of the grain currently available on the market remains above the acceptable standard for procurement. “Moisture content in maize remains above the required level. We shall start buying immediately it drops to 12.5 percent or below,” Mr Desai said. Moisture content refers to the amount of water contained in maize grain. It is one of the most important quality indicators used when assessing whether maize is ready for long-term storage. Newly harvested maize often contains high levels of moisture and must be properly dried before it can safely be stored. When maize is stored with excessive moisture, it becomes vulnerable to mould growth, fungal contamination, heating, discolora...